Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 04/17/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 08/21/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
Registration for this schedule starts on 12/01/2025 and ends on 10/23/2026
Participants must be 18 years to 120 years old when the program starts.
WIRE I
INSTRUCTOR: DIANE MASON
This is a traditional beginning wire class where students go from the very basics to preparation for Wire II by using extensive classroom theory along with hands-on approach. 10-12 projects are planned where no two are alike, each varying in skill and learning techniques. Students will begin with the very simple and walk their way up to a higher level. Novice wire wrappers will easily transcend to being prepared for Wire II. Techniques covered and used are for creating 10 different projects with each one being just a little deeper in thought and work than the one before it. Potential projects include: 2 different bracelets, 2 different calibrated cabochons, 1 pair of all wire earrings, 1 pair of calibrated cabochon earrings, 1 uncalibrated cabochon, 1 uncalibrated pair of cabochon earrings, a simple ring, and a 21 gauge. Students will learn how to clean jewelry appropriately, purchase cabochons, price and sell finished products and purchase the necessary tools. Materials used in class including wire, stones, beads, snaptights, and all tools used will be provided by the instructor. Necessary items for students to bring with them are an OptiVisor, a sweater, an open mind and a willingness to learn. Correspondence 4-6 weeks prior to class will be sent for review. Come laugh and learn to wrap wire and stones into jewelry. The class fee includes syllabus, pen, paper, sharpie marker, 14-18 handouts, wrap tape, magic eraser, and use of all tools.
Media: Wire, Sterling Silver
Class Fee: $85
Est Material Cost: $175-250 (will be dependent on current silver market)
Prerequisite: None
Diane began her wire career in 1998 by attending William Holland School of Lapidary Arts. She continues to upgrade her skills today by attending classes. She is an active member of The Franklin, N.C. Gem and Mineral Society, the Southern Appalachian Artists Guild, and the Blue Ridge Artists Association. After retiring in 2014 after 45 years as a (CCRN) Dr. Mason and her husband moved to Young Harrris, Georgia to be closer to the mountains they both loved, to get serious with their rocks, and to operate their own Rock Shop. They traveled seven states year-round doing juried shows with their artistic designs of jewelry.
After the death of her husband (Jerry) in 2023, Diane has continued her teaching and operation of Jim 'N Dee's Rock Shop. Diane's successful teaching background and competitive sales in various areas allows her to present courses to her students in a very successfully structured manner. She believes each student should know why they are doing all of the necessary steps, so she stresses wire theory as well as a "monkey-see, monkey-do" approach.
She began teaching at William Holland in 2003 and the 2026 season will be her 24th year. She also teaches for Gem and Mineral Clubs in nine states, for specialty groups, as well as in her home studio. In 2014 she began doing specialty wire wrapping for Ruby City gems and for The Franklin Gem and Mineral Society (the old jail) in Franklin, N.C.
Diane enjoys all her classes, whether it is WIRE I, WIRE II, WIRE III, BRACELETS, WIRE SCULPTURE, or WIRE FILIGREE. Her favorite quote is "We do not make flea market garbage in this classroom." She always says that her students keep her grounded and she learns something every time she opens a classroom door.
706-39-1718 (H)
843-621-0003 (C) texts only
Please contact William Holland School of Lapidary Arts if you have any questions.